Friday, February 26, 2016

I am sharing a new set from Justrite today called, Doodled Birds. The sentiment seems as fitting as yesterday's. I can tell you how much I appreciate everyone's support. Your e-mails, comments, and private messages have really been appreciated. :) I can count on you to make me feel better!

This card was stamped in Tim Holtz grey ink. I was going for the "no line" water coloring technique. I think I still need to practice this! LOL!

I sponged a bit of yellow in the corner for a bit of sunshine and stamped the sentiment in black. I also added a few sequin flowers and a stenciled background.

I can't seem to get away with no ribbon on my cards....so true to Kovack style I added one!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

I think maybe, subconsciously, I created this card with Cortney in mind.

Bloom and Grow.

She spread her wings and left the nest yesterday.

Words can not describe the loss I feel right now. I know she is going to do great. She will thrive and make lots of new friends......bloom and grow. But for this mama, it is hard.

And no, it is not the same as sending Kyle off to college as many of my friends and family have tried to compare this to. I think teens in general start gradually leaving the "nest" with their independent attitudes. Taking Cortney yesterday was like ripping off a band aid. There was never any middle ground with her. I went from taking care of her every need to suddenly having nothing to take care of.

And I know in my heart we are blessed with this opportunity for her. It is something that I know will be great for her. I just have to find a way to adjust and fill my time with other things. Which I will. With time.

So maybe it's not just Cortney that needs to Bloom and Grow....maybe it's this gal right here.

Monday, February 22, 2016

This is Cortney's last day being at home. Tomorrow she starts a new chapter in her life at a wonderful place called, Misericordia. It was a decision we made about 6 years ago, and not a decision we made lightly. We did our homework. We did our research. We knew the wait list was long, but when you want the best for your child, you are willing to wait. We volunteered for years, met people, built relationships. We got the call last October and we couldn't have been happier. This meant a nurturing place for Cortney. A place where she will be cared for, loved, stimulated, surrounded by her peers. This is a place that gives every single resident a job. She will wake up with a purpose each morning. And yes, my heart is broken right now. She has been my side kick, my shadow, my love, for the last 21 years. I have taken care of her every need and loved her with all of my heart. But I know that when Cort is home on the weekends, she gets bored easily. She is restless, and constantly asks to go to school. She longs to be with her friends all of the time. Misericordia will become her "new school." They will provide therapy, swimming, bowling, a job, picnics, dances, dinners, peer interaction, movies, and a host of other things. It is time she spread her wings, spread her smile and her joy. She needs to move on, just as my college son did. She is entitled to some independence and to create a life outside of her mama.

As Sister Rosemary said at our Misericordia meeting a few weeks ago, "We are not taking your child from you.....we are sharing your child with you."

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All opinions are my own. If I receive a product to review, it is my policy to make note of how it was acquired. That being said, I only recommend products I genuinely use. I do not accept offers of direct payment for dedicated blog posts to promote products.

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"In the spirit of full disclosure, I am currently working as a freelance designer in some capacity for the following company: Whimsy Stamps. While I am compensated by these companies in some form, I maintain the freedom as an independent designer to say what I truly think of their products. I will never recommend something that I don't personally use and enjoy."